"Scientists have access to humane and scientifically superior alternatives, so now is the time to completely eliminate the use of fetal calf serum in the laboratory," says Megha Shah Even, M.S., a staff scientist at PCRM and lead author of the paper. Live cells grown in the laboratory are used for many purposes including the manufacture of drugs and diagnostic kits.
Trends in Biotechnology, based in the United Kingdom, invited Mrs. Even to submit a paper after learning that she spearheaded the development of the world's first animal serum-free insulin assay. In addition to humane concerns, the article emphasizes the scientific advantages of serum-free cell culture. Growing cells without animal serum ensures that fewer variables are introduced into experiments, meaning that results are easily reproducible by different laboratories.
For a copy of the new article published in Trends in Biotechnology, "Serum-free hybridoma culture: Ethical, scientific and safety considerations," or an interview with lead author Megha Shah Even, M.S., please contact Jeanne S. McVey at 202-686-2210, ext. 316, or jeannem@pcrm.org .
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives to animal research.
Jeanne Stuart McVey
Senior Media Relations Specialist
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
5100 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Suite 400
Washington, D.C., 20016
cell: 415-509-1833, tel: 202-686-2210, ext. 316
fax: 202-686-2818
jeannem@pcrm.org
www.pcrm.org
Trends in Biotechnology